Please Note: Access to recordings and presenter materials from the professional development sessions is a benefit of GSCA membership.

Click on "login" in the upper right-hand corner of this page and enter your user name and password. Once you have logged in, the materials for each session and the delegate list will appear on the screen below beneath the session description. If you do not have a GSCA login or have any problems accessing the files, please contact Kelly Germain at kelly@giantscreencinema.com.

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Click here to download a PDF of the conference program

Click here to view an online flipbook version of the program

The GSCA 2016 International Conference professional development sessions were held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.  Download links for presenter materials will appear below each session description once you have logged in.

Giant Screen 101 Preconference Workshop

Moderated by Diane Carlson, Pacific Science Center

Panelists: Paul Fraser, Blaze Digital Cinema Works; Julie LaRoche, Director of Business Development, Montreal Science Centre; Phil Streather, stereo 3D producer, Principal Large Format

This perennial favorite is always one of the most attended and highly rated sessions of the conference. The panelists bring years of GS experience to the program.

Paul Fraser, with deep knowledge of the giant screen theater world, will address some key business aspects of giant screen film and theaters. Included will be a high-level overview of the economics of GS film for all stakeholders, strategies for optimum ticket pricing, and pointers for exhibiting theatrical films at museum-based GS theaters.

Julie LaRoche is well known for her creativity, opportunism, and solid financial results in the marketing of GS films. She will present case studies on the marketing of Jerusalem and Living in the Age of Airplanes. She will include challenges, strategic decisions, marketing dollar allocation, and results.

With the increase in projection systems and differing sources for digital imagery, fundamental issues arise with what audiences experience in giant screen theaters. One fundamental issue is aspect ratio. Phil Streather will demystify aspect ratio—what is and why it matters. Phil Streather is a passionate filmmaker whose credits include producer of GS classic Bugs!, the co-developer and "based on a concept by" for Flight of the Butterflies and Stereo Supervisor on Tiny Giants 3D.

With valuable information for industry newcomers and veterans alike, this is an excellent opportunity to get industry insight, meet other delegates, and get a head start on networking and maximizing the value of the conference. Audience members will be encouraged to ask questions and contribute to lively discussion.

Marketing Workshop—The Road to Success: Creativity, Strategy & Execution

Moderated by Michael Daut, Evans & Sutherland

Panelists: Dave Duszynski, Cincinnati Museum Center; Chris Hurtubise, COSI; Anna Relyea, Ontario Science Centre; Cindy Todd, Tennessee Aquarium

In this workshop, we will look at the process successful marketing teams have deployed to create campaigns to launch and promote giant screen films. Rather than focusing on the success of the campaign, we will look at the ways skilled marketing teams brainstormed and wrestled with concepts, raised sponsorship and in-kind support. How did they implement their marketing campaigns? And what did they do beyond the launch to keep the momentum going and attendance building? What approaches were similar and how did they differ? What marketing vehicles were used from PR to advertising to onsite awareness? Learn about the road from ideas to winning strategies.

Alternative Content: What Does It Mean for Me?

Moderators: Chris Hurtubise (COSI) and Kim Nickels

Panelists: Mark Kresser (K2 Communications), Brad LaDouceur (Cineplex Events), Tina Ratterman (BIG & Digital), Kate Storm (COSI), and Paul Wild (IMAX Victoria)

You’ve likely heard colleagues talking about the pros and cons of programming alternative content. As the conversion to digital continues, more and more theaters are testing the waters. Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s right for your theater, or how it affects you as a producer or distributor when something new is added to the programming mix. Well, this session has something for everyone. The first part of the session will include several mini case studies highlighting programming that has been successful for theaters. Then you’ll hear from a panel of exhibitors and distributors with varying viewpoints on the subject of alternative content. The panel discussion will include some prepared statements and questions but will also encourage audience interaction with the panelists to allow for an open, candid and lively dialogue that will further illuminate the questions, concerns and issues surrounding this topic. 

Virtual Reality: A Good Thing for Giant Screen, or Should We Be Worried?

Moderated by Paul Fraser (Blaze Digital Cinema Works) and co-developed with Daniel Ferguson (Cosmic Picture)

Panelists: Ryan Andal, Founder & Head of Product, Secret Location; Nigel Newton, Director – Canada, INDE; Robin Sip, CEO Mirage3D & Director of Show Production, Evans & Sutherland

VR is poised for lift-off, though it remains to be seen if it’ll be a smooth ride, or where the ride takes us. Analysts have projected a $30 billion market for VR by 2020, and $150 billion for Augmented Reality. The applications for VR seem almost endless.  AR is already being used for group or shared experiences. But what does all this mean for the giant screen industry? Goals for this session:

1. Illuminate VR and AR:  To set the stage, we’ll provide some basic information, the “101” on VR and AR, describing the technology, the current field of head mounted displays (HMDs), profile of the early adopters, the types of content getting traction so far, etc.
2. Explore the Opportunities & Threats for the Giant Screen Business

• Producing for VR has synergies with dome production. Could this lead to more content that is truly made for the dome? With cross-platform releases planned, could VR production attract new funding sources that help more GS films get made?
• Can a VR or AR companion to a GS film be an effective marketing and educational outreach tool?
• As VR gains popularity, will VR diminish the appeal of the GS film, the original group-oriented immersive experience?
• What ARE the out-of-home, group-oriented VR and AR experiences in the market now (or soon), and can any of these be adapted to complement a GS film at a museum or science center?

Digital Dome Demo: Side-by-Side 15/70 vs. True8K Digital 

On Friday, October 7, 2016, the Giant Screen Cinema Association's (GSCA) Technical Committee hosted a digital dome demo in the Shopper's Drug Mart Omnimax Theatre at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Evans & Sutherland installed a True8K system using 10 Christie Mirage 304K projectors that, before this demo, had never been demonstrated in a giant screen dome, anywhere in the world. Click here for a comprehensive summary of the demo. 

Delegate List

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